Ottawa is introducing a new three-year pilot program that would incentivize employers to follow worker-protection rules by making it easier for them to hire temporary foreign workers.

Under the pilot program, companies with a good track record would only need to prove that they require temporary foreign workers every three years, instead of every 18 months.

The employer’s trusted status would also be flagged to potential workers in the government’s job bank.

The temporary foreign worker program is designed to attract workers from abroad to fill short-term labour market gaps in cases where no Canadians or permanent residents are available.

Employment Minister Randy Randy Boissonnault, who made the announcement today, says employers involved in the pilot program will need to go through a more rigorous upfront assessment.

Agricultural companies will be able to apply to be part of the pilot in September, and all other employers will be eligible in January.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press